Drummer. Frank Michael Toperzer born c. 1931 in Youngstown, Ohio; died October 12, 2003 in Olney, Maryland.
Earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston University. Toperzer taught in the public schools in Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland (1954-1964) and formed a big band of local public school music teachers.
From 1962 to 1996, Toperzer owned Drums Unlimited, a music store in Bethesda, Maryland.
He co-led a big band with trumpeter George Horan and in the late 1970s was a member of the Swingworks big band.
Bibliography
Nuttycombe, Dave. “Bang the Drum Profitably.” Washington City Paper, September 23, 1994.
Scanlan, Tom. “Caught in the Act: Frank Toperzer.” Down Beat, March 30, 1961.
Unicorn Times. “Louis Bellson/Horan Toperzer Big Band,” May 1975.
At Alice Deal Jr High, Mr. T. was our band leader, and I was also a drum student of his in the basement of his Bethesda home. My professional skills ended after high school as I always thought very highly of him.
As a request from Mr. T., Gene Krupa used my drum set in one of the performances on the Potomac River by Memorial Bridge. What an honor.
He was always in my thoughts but this time I had planned to call him only to find this obituary notice. I am sadden as I failed to act on my thoughts earlier. What a loss and of course a memory to behold.
I have been in his school band, his home, Drums Unlimited where I purchased my set. and now he is in my heart forever. RIP Frank, as you will always be in my thoughts as a learner of your life’s experiences from the soul of your directed music.
Save me a seat.
Henry Cogan